My Mute Bride

Not long after Victor left, Rachel heard the doorbell ring.

Originally thinking he left something behind, she opened the door, only to see a courier.

“Ms. Rachel Hudson?”

Upon hearing that, Rachel nodded.

“There are two intracity express parcels for you. Please sign here.”

Startled, she signed for the parcels, thereafter receiving a cake and a paper bag.

Right now on the table, there was still half an uneaten cake that Victor had rushed out to buy at noon upon finding out it was her birthday.

So, who bought the cake that the courier delivered?

Setting it aside on the table for now, she pulled a rectangular suede box out of the paper bag.

With a click, she opened it and discovered a silver-colored necklace in the box that glimmered underneath the light

The pendant was in the simple design of a small sun with a hollow center.

Putting down the box, she found a card on top of the cake box that simply read ‘Happy Birthday’ without any signature.

Dumbfounded, she stared at the items until her phone started vibrating.

It was a text message from Julian reading, ‘Did you receive what I sent?’

Immediately, she understood. ‘I did. I was wondering who would remember my birthday.’

‘Don’t forget that you’re a patient of mine. It’s not strange that I would remember your birthday.’

‘Thank you.

‘You’re welcome. Are you free? I just finished work; come down for a walk with me!

Looking at the time, she agreed, ‘Okay.’

At this hour after dinner, the community was lively. All of the houses were lit up, and the sound of children laughing could be heard around the neighborhood as they ran around playing.

offer some to anyone, a group of children was surrounding her

cake is so pretty,

a knife and a paper plate, preparing to cut into the cake for

the side. “Today is

that, the head of the group, which happened to be a little girl in pigtails, immediately said, “Wish Miss

sing the ‘Happy Birthday’

Rachel must close her eyes and make a

must blow out

shook her head to indicate to Julian that there was no need

sing ‘Happy Birthday’ in unison. The delicate chorus of young voices would have a healing effect on any

“Make a wish.”

There’s no need.

My mommy says you have to say it in your heart and not out loud, or the wish won’t

to look, she found a little girl who wasn’t even at table

the gazes of the children, clasped her hands and made a wish. After that, she blew out the candles and began to give the cake out to

thank you!” their parents instructed, standing

the children raced off, dabbing icing on each other’s faces. Just like that, the strangers in the community suddenly seemed closer and the whole

finally smiled

important thing right now is to take care of your body and your mood. You don’t need to worry about

about me. I never wanted it, anyway, so I might as well pretend it never existed

upstairs, then. It’s been getting colder lately, so

she turned and

she was inside her apartment and about to close the

slam, the door was propped open by a large hand from

darkened face made all the more grotesque

out on

he slid sideways into the house and shut the door before surveying

you’ve been getting along fine without

took two steps back. Why are

he pulled off his necktie and threw

like unmelting icebergs as he sneered, “I suppose you wouldn’t want me to ruin your

approached her, forcing

Rachel had no idea what

arm and pulled, she staggered after him and was dragged all